More than 40 individuals connected to the UK music industry have been investigated as part of Operation Hydrant – a unit helping police probe allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse by people of public prominence.
Operation Hydrant was established in summer 2014 by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) following a number of high-profile child sex abuse scandals involving the likes of Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris.
Hydrant has since been notified of 1,433 total suspects, of which 216 are deceased.
261 individuals have been classified as ‘people of public prominence’, who have been sub-divided into the following groups:
- 135 from the world of TV, film or radio;
- 76 politicians – including local-level politicians, not just national figures;
- 43 from the music industry;
- 7 from the world of professional sport
It is unknown what capacity these individuals are/were connected to the music industry and at what point in history they were associated with the business.
NPCC Lead for Child Abuse Investigation, Chief Constable Simon Bailey, said: “Operation Hydrant has been established to help senior investigating officers across the country to work together to ensure that these complex investigations are successfully managed and that best practice is identified and shared with frontline staff.”
Police forces are currently notifying Operation Hydrant of all active cases fitting its criteria.
Hydrant staff are then identifying links between investigations and preventing duplication between forces – although they do not have any control over the investigations themselves.
The NPCC projects that it will be notified of 113,291 child sex cases in 2015 alone – a potential 71% increase on the 66,120 cases seen in 2012.
CC Simon Bailey said: “These figures are stark. They indicate the scale of child abuse police are dealing with.
“Much public and media focus has been on horrors committed by well-known personalities, groups, gangs or in institutions, but the vast majority of victims are abused by family members or friends.
“Police have done a huge amount to meet the challenge: we have responded to criticism, changed how we engage with victims and how we investigate abuse. Many victims have now found confidence to report abuse, knowing we will treat them sensitively, respectfully, listen to them and take reports of their abuse seriously.
“I would encourage all victims of sexual abuse to come forward and report their abuse.”Music Business Worldwide
